Dracula (2025) | Film Review

So, with Count Dracula already holding the Guinness World Record for ‘most adapted literary character of all time’, it’s hard to imagine why we need yet another version of the iconic character Bram Stoker gifted the world back in 1897. Fortunately, this film is one of the more enjoyable adaptations. Much like Universal tried to do back in 2014 with Dracula: Untold, this film went for a different approach. I’d say this is more of a gothic romance with horror elements instead of an out-and-out horror like the original ‘31 film or the ’58 adaptation from Hammer.

When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the devastating loss of his wife, he inherits an eternal curse and becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by the hope to be reunited with his lost love.

Dracula (or Dracula: A Love Tale) is a bold reimagining of one of cinema’s most enduring figures, and it succeeds largely because it dares to be different. Rather than leaning into both familiar and classic gothic horror tropes, the film reframes Dracula’s story through a deeply romantic and emotional lens - one that works surprisingly well. Don’t panic though horror fans, as there is more than enough to keep you satisfied as well!

Visually, the film is beautiful. The set pieces are meticulously crafted and richly detailed, evoking a gothic atmosphere that feels immersive rather than artificial. The cinematography is elegant and deliberate, with beautifully composed shots that emphasise mood, shadow, and texture. Considering its indie status, the production value is especially impressive, rivaling far bigger studio releases without ever feeling constrained by budget. Especially during the larger set-pieces in the film such as the battle scene near the beginning or the climatic finish.

The cast is brilliant, with performances that ground the film’s heightened aesthetic in genuine emotion. Christoph Waltz is a standout (I mean let’s be honest…when is he not?!), delivering a characteristically layered performance that adds gravitas and subtle menace while never feeling overstated. Feels like there’s a lot more to his character and we’re barely scratching the surface here.

At the center of the film, Caleb Landry Jones makes a strong case for himself as Dracula, offering a portrayal that is both haunting and sympathetic. His Dracula isn’t just a monster (although he does have his moments- scene with the Nun's is diabolical) like we’ve seen in previous films, but a tragic figure - torn between love, immortality, abandonment, and the loss of his beloved - and Jones captures that internal conflict with surprising depth. Think along the lines of Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker’s Dracula) and Luke Evans (Dracula: Untold), instead of Christopher Lee (Dracula) and Bill Skarsgard (Nosferatu).

Something that took me even more by surprise was the score from legendary composer Danny Elfman. It’s the final piece that ties everything together and elevates it to the next level. His music is sweeping, melancholic, hauntingly beautiful, and perfectly complements the film’s romantic tone. The score amplifies the emotional weight, and pure horror, of key moments that enhances the overall experience. Listen carefully you’ll pick up on nuances of Phillip Glass’ score for the original 1931 Universal Monsters film as well as James Bernard’s equally alluring soundtrack for Hammer’s 1958 adaptation.

What truly sets Dracula (2025) apart is its willingness to step away from conventional adaptations. This is not a retread of familiar beats or a purely horror-driven re-telling (as I said above). Of course, you can pick out various moments throughout where they’ve drawn inspiration from a previous adaptation, but it doesn’t feel like a carbon copy. Instead, it leans into the romantic and tragic elements of the story, re-centering Dracula’s story as one of love lost and love cursed.

Dracula (2025) | Film Review

That creative risk could have fallen flat, but instead it gives the film a distinct identity and emotional resonance. I tip my hat to writer-director Luc Besson. Would be interesting to see what he could do with other iconic literary horror characters or stories, as I feel this brought something unique and different to a story/character that has been done to death (glorious pun intended).

To conclude, the film is a triumph, and one I’m thrilled I now own on Blu-ray. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally rich, heartfelt, and surprisingly effective reinterpretation of a classic myth with some equally impressive set-pieces and action sequences. With strong performances, exceptional production design, and a memorable score, it proves that even a story as familiar as Dracula can still feel fresh when approached with creativity and heart.

Huge thank you to Signature Entertainment for the Blu-ray. You can check out more info on them and their upcoming releases via their WEBSITE.

Dracula is out now on digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. You can check out the film’s trailer below.